A world-class public education

We must ensure that every American child receives a world-class public education—no matter their race or zip code.

I’ve spent the majority of my adult life working to create more opportunity for young people, and I will continue to make that a top priority as a member of Congress.

– Dean Phillips

Dean’s plan

Dean believes a world-class public education system is the foundation of the American promise. But with dramatic achievement gaps and declining resources, too many schools are struggling, too many teachers are overly burdened, and too many students are left behind. Here’s Dean’s plan to address these challenges:

Fully fund federal education mandates

Increasing funding for federal mandates is Dean’s top priority when it comes to public education. He is a cosponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would fully fund the federal government’s portion of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act over a 10-year period. This would ease the financial burdens on school districts in our community, helping to provide them with the resources to hire teachers and support professionals and equipping them with the tools and training they need to succeed.

Support and encourage teachers

Dean supports teacher-preparation programs and other efforts to help recruit more candidates from under-represented communities into the profession. He also believes the federal government should support and build upon intensive mentoring programs during new teachers’ first years, which will help them succeed and keep more of them in the profession. Dean wishes to elevate the esteem and compensation for teachers—which he believes to be the most important and impactful profession in our society.

Expand early learning opportunities

Dean supports increased investments in early learning opportunities, as research shows that every dollar invested can yield a return of up to seven dollars—once that child has become an educated and productive member of society. Dean also supports efforts to close the “exposure” gap—getting more young people out of the school and into hospitals, professional offices, manufacturing facilities and other industries to expand their sense of what is possible.

More counselors and mental health professionals

Dean supports the expansion of full-service community schools and investments to increase the number of mental health professionals and counselors. This will help relieve the burdens on teachers and provide critical support for kids, which will ultimately save money—and lives.

Let’s create change—together.

Join the DeanTeam—a diverse, committed team of neighbors who are creating change in communities across Minnesota’s Third District.

Whether you’d like to volunteer at an upcoming campaign event or lend a hand from home, there are always opportunities to make a meaningful difference.